Expert Witness Says Double-Homicide Victims Died from Gunfire

By , Jenna Gainsboro [former] - July 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

On July 18, the fourth day of a 2021 double-homicide trial, there was more testimony about the shooting.

Jalen Browne, 21, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting on the 100th block of Q Street, NW, on July 25, 2021. 

Of the six victims at the scene, three were uninjured. Jovan Hill Jr, 22, and Tariq Riley, 19, suffered fatal wounds and later died at MedStar Hospital. A third victim, 22, suffered a gunshot wound to the lower back but survived.

A forensic pathologist from the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner stated that both victims had a single gunshot wound to the back. The pathologist said the resulting injuries damaged the lungs, spine, and heart, and the bullets weren’t fired from close range.

The medical examiner confirmed the cause of death for both Hill and Riley as gunshot wounds to the back. The manner of death was ruled as a homicide for both victims as well. 

Witness testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun is slated to continue on July 19.